"I wouldn't say [getting sacked] was a blessing, it was a big learning curve," he said.

"For a person of that age – I was only 23 – I was a big bomb. A ticking time bomb back then.

"A big bomb erupted and I had to try to find my way back into the game. That happened through the NRL, they gave me steps to do and I done that. Now I'm back here."

Back here is the Captain's Bar at Allianz Stadium on the club's media day on Tuesday, a couple of levels up from where he undertook community work with the Roosters as part of his penance.

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"I was doing stuff down here downstairs, some work off the field. It was a good experience," he said.

"I was a labourer for six or seven months, doing the hard yards to get back. I was working six days a week, 5am to 5pm. I was doing that at Sylvania Waters at Kangaroo Point. I'd definitely rather a pre-season rather than working there."

The first clash with the Green Machine will be a home one. However, he will still feel the wrath of diehard Raiders fans who will make the trip down the Federal Highway, some specifically to taunt the former NSW three-quarter.

"They can do whatever they like, I'm not going to listen to them," he said.

"It doesn't bother me at all. If anything it motivates me.

"I'll just get out there and get into it with the boys. I'm not going to be treating this game different, I'll treat it like any other game."

When Instagram pictures of emerged Ferguson sinking alcopops with then-teammate Josh Dugan on a rooftop, they became posterboys for leaguies off the rails. However, both want to stand for something more and are attempting to switch from social media to social workers.

"That's what I've always wanted to be, a role model for the kids coming through the grades," Ferguson said.

"Even for people not playing footy, there' s a lot more jobs out there and you want to be the best you can be.

"I want to do some social work. Go around and talk to people so I can share my story and motivate people. That's something I'd love to do. I'll enroll into some courses and learn how to present yourself and talk to people in a motivation way."

Having taken his first steps in what could prove to be a redemption story, Ferguson is hopeful others – such as Russell Packer and Todd Carney – get the same opportunity.

"It's up the NRL's discretion but everyone deserves an opportunity to get back to doing what they love," he said.

"Whether you like it or not, everyone is an idol. Todd Carney is an idol to kids. If he does get the opportunity and the NRL gives him something to work on, he will because that's the kind of guy Toddy is.

"He's the type of guy who will get his best foot forward and have a crack to get back in."

Ferguson is just three games into his comeback and already some have him earmarked for Origin selection. After some solid defensive displays, he illustrated his talents with ball in hand with two tries against Penrith. However, the 25 year old downplayed the prospect of a return to the interstate arena.

"I didn't set myself that goal, the only goal I set myself was to play first grade," he said. "That's what I want to do, play 24 games plus if we get to the finals series."

Poll

How many interchanges should be allowed in the NRL?

Unlimited9%

122%

106%

820%

634%

415%

a mix of interchanges and permanent replacements14%

Total votes: 3262

Poll closed 7 May, 2015

Disclaimer: These polls are not scientific and reflect the opinion only of visitors who have chosen to participate.